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AJ Tracey

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AJ Tracey
AJ Tracey performing in 2019
AJ Tracey performing in 2019
Background information
Birth nameChé Wolton Grant[1]
Also known as
  • AJT
  • GTraceO
  • Looney
  • Loonz
  • AJ
Born(1994-03-04)4 March 1994(age 30)
Brixton,London, England[2]
OriginLadbroke Grove,London, England
Genres
Occupations
  • Rapper
  • singer
  • songwriter
  • dancer
  • record producer
Years active2009–present
LabelsIndependent[4]
Websiteajtracey.co.uk

Ché Wolton Grant(born 4 March 1994), known professionally asAJ Tracey,is an independent British rapper, singer, songwriter, and record producer.[5]He is fromLadbroke Grove,West London.[6]Tracey rose to popularity in 2016 and was listed byThe Guardianin a list of "best new acts to catch at festivals in 2016".[7]

Tracey's first mainstream EP,Secure the Bag!(2017) entered theUK Albums Chartat number thirteen. In 2018, Tracey released the single "Butterflies"featuring British rapperNot3swhich served as his commercial breakthrough, peaking in the top 20 on theUK Singles Chart.Hisself-titled debut album,which was released independently in 2019, received critical acclaim and peaked at number three on the UK Albums Chart. It featured his highest-charting single as a solo artist, "Ladbroke Grove",which peaked at number three on the UK Singles Chart and was certifiedplatinumby theBPI.

AJ Tracey has released songs with recording artists such as:Aitch,Big Zuu,Dave,D-Block Europe,Digga D,Giggs,Mabel,Mahalia,MoStack,Skeptato name a few.

Early life

[edit]

AJ Tracey was born inBrixtonand raised inLadbroke Grove.[2]Grant's father, ofAfrican-Trinidadianorigin, is a former rapper,[8]and hisWelshmother is a formerjungleDJ.[9]He was named by his mother after the revolutionaryChe Guevara.[8]

According to the self-written lyrics of "AJ Tracey - Spirit Bomb" and many of his other self-written song lyrics, AJ Tracey used to sell illicit drugs as a means of making fast cash. As well as using weapons in drug turf wars in his youth.[10]

According to the self-written lyrics of "AJ Tracey - Perfect Storm", AJ Tracey grew up poor living with his single Mum. There was a time when AJ Tracey's uniform was ripped and he had to wear his mum's socks because she couldn't always afford clothing for him and hishalf brother.In the song, he also mentions that his brother has a different mother, but they have the same dad, and that his dad didn't help parent him. It is not specified whether or not his Dad was paying child support.[11]

On 2018, AJ Tracey madeForbes' 30 Richest people under the age of 30 list A.K.A.Forbes 30 Under 30.[12]

He has been rapping since the age of four.[2]He was educated locally at Middle Row Primary school and went on to attendHolland Park School.He dropped out of a criminology course atLondon Metropolitan Universityto pursue his music career.[13]He is an avid supporter ofTottenham Hotspur.[14]

In December 2020, it was reported online that AJ Tracey and his team delivered Christmas dinner boxes to poor people in need. Some reported examples were

  • 30 boxes of Food to Dalgarno food bank
  • 10 boxes to Al Manaar mosque

As well as doing home deliveries. Among the deliveries were halal turkeys and pizzas.

It was also reported online that AJ Tracey's campaign provided “100 deserving youths in North Kensington with Christmas presents.”[15]

On 2023, AJ Tracey launched "The AJ Tracey Fund" which is a Grant to award academically gifted ethnic minority students through their journey at the University of Oxford. The grant covers expenses from the application process, to admissions, and more. He has pledged he will donate £40,000 a year to "The AJ Tracey Fund". He also said the reason why he did was to address 'historic under=representation' at the university, working alongsideSt Peter's Collegeto provide financial aid and guided mentorship sessions.[16]

Career

[edit]

2011–16: Emergence and EPs

[edit]

Under the stage names Looney and Loonz, Tracey's music can be found online dating back to June 2011. An earlySoundCloudaccount, Looney Tell 'Em, contains eleven tracks, each with free downloads enabled. These include four songs from the scrapped grime EPThe Dungeon(featuring non-exclusive beats from Spooky and Rude Kid) and two songs fromDidn't Make the Cut,originally slated for release on the scrapped hip hop mixtapeFuck a Fairytale.[17]His debut mixtape,Didn't Make the Cut,was released 13 September 2012,[18][non-primary source needed]and comprises 21UK rapandgrimesongs and freestyles which, in his own words, are "the tracks that didn't make it onto my actual mixtape". The project was initially to be titledScirocco Musikand its artwork still reflects this title. In August 2013, his collective, My Team Paid, announced that they were to release a joint mixtape entitledMy Team Paid.[19]One single, "Clouded Skies", emerged, but the project was ultimately scrapped. Tracey's second mixtape,No More Looney,was released throughDatPiffon 30 August 2014. The project includes thirty-three tracks, many of which feature fellow My Team Paid membersBig Zuu,Jay Amo, Wax and Sketch.[20]

Tracey first gained attention through appearances on pirate radio stations and the release of his debut EPThe Frontin mid-2015.[21][22]In December 2015, Tracey released his second EPAlex Moran,which featured acclaimed tracks including "Spirit Bomb" and "Naila".[7][23][24][25]BBC Radio 1XtraDJ Sian Anderson also played "Swerve and Skid" heavily on her show during 2015, which was the first song of his that was on commercial radio.[8]During this period, Tracey also recorded (but did not release) atrapEP entitledRain.[26][27]In 2016, Tracey – aTottenham Hotspurfan – appeared in promotional material forSky Sportscoverage of thePremier League.[28]He also collaborated withDaveover a remix ofRuff Sqwad's Pied Piper to create a well received track entitled "Thiago Silva".[29][30]

2017–2020:Secure the Bag!and self-titled album

[edit]
Tracey performing in 2019

In October 2017, Tracey released his fifth EP,Secure the Bag!.[31]He also began producing records that year.[citation needed]He made his production debut on "LA4AWEEK", co-produced by Nyge and released in April 2017, and later produced label-mate Big Zuu's "Tell Man Twice", released in August 2017.

In early 2018, AJ Tracey modelled for the OVO clothing line in 2018.[32]In May 2018, Tracey released the single "Butterflies"featuringNot3s.The song served as AJ Tracey's commercial breakthrough, peaking at number 19 on theUK Singles Chart.The single was followed up with "Lo(v/s)er", which peaked at number 38. Tracey also featured on Craig David's album "The Time is now" collaborating on the track "Somebody like me". In early July 2019 the Swedish rapperZ.E[sv]released his platinum selling second album,Mer än rap( "more than rap" ). Tracey was featured on the title track "More Than Rap".

On 21 November 2018, Tracey announced the pre-order of hisself-titled debut album,released on 8 February 2019. The lead single, "Doing It", was released for streaming and digital on the same day.[33][34]Four more singles were released to promoteAJ Tracey:"Butterflies"featuringNot3s,"Psych Out!", "Necklace" featuring Jay Critch and "Ladbroke Grove".AJ Traceydebuted at number three on theUK Albums Chartand is certifiedSilverby theBritish Phonographic Industry(BPI). "Ladbroke Grove" became Tracey's highest-charting single peaking at number three on theUK Singles Chart.[35][36]On 10 October 2019, Tracey announced the upcoming release of a deluxe edition ofAJ Tracey,to feature five new songs and a couple of surprises. The album was released on 25 October. On 14 February 2020, AJ Tracey announced his Australian tour starting in Adelaide on 24 April, but was later postponed due to theCOVID-19 pandemic.[37]

2020–present:Secure the Bag! 2andFlu Game

[edit]

On 6 October 2020, AJ Tracey released the tracklist for his sixth EP,Secure the Bag! 2on Twitter and was later released on 27 November 2020.[38][non-primary source needed][39]The EP debuted at number 75 on theUK Albums Charts.[40]

On 4 February 2021, Tracey featured on the track "Bringing It Back" byDigga D.[41]The song topped the UK Chart's Official Trending Chart and debuted at number 5 on the UK Singles Chart.[42]

On 16 April 2021, Tracey released his second studio album titledFlu Game,which includes singles such as "Dinner Guest","West Ten","Anxious "and" Bringing It Back ". Five hours prior to the release of the album, AJ released the single" Little More Love "as well as releasing a music video on YouTube.[43][44]

On 26 August 2021, Tracey was featured on theGorillaztrack "Jimmy Jimmy" from theirMeanwhile EP.[45]

In 2023, he received theBrits Billion Awardby theBritish Phonographic Industryfor achieving over 1 billion career streams in the UK,[46]and released the fourth instalment in theWifey Riddimseries, his first track as lead artist since 2022.[47]

Politics

[edit]

In June 2017, Tracey endorsedLabour PartyleaderJeremy Corbynin the2017 UK general election.In a Labour Party campaign video he said: "The Labour Party strongly support the youth in following their dreams and giving people a chance." He added: "In my opinion we need a Labour government to give young people a hope, a chance for their future and I genuinely believe that Corbyn is the man to do it."[48]

In an October 2019 interview withThe Observer,Tracey voiced concerns aboutclimate changeand said: "If I'm voting for anyone now it's theGreen Party."[49]

Discography

[edit]
Main article:AJ Tracey discography

References

[edit]
  1. ^O'Connor, Roisin (8 February 2019)."AJ Tracey interview: 'I put strippers in my last video because I like women'".The Independent.Archivedfrom the original on 13 October 2019.Retrieved13 October2019.
  2. ^abc"AJ Tracey – BBC Sound of Music 2017".BBC Music.Archivedfrom the original on 22 April 2019.Retrieved23 June2020.
  3. ^abc"AJ Tracey on new album, goat cover, Cadet passing away, Giggs, his style, tour".Tim Westwoodon YouTube.16 February 2019.Archivedfrom the original on 26 September 2020.Retrieved18 February2019.
  4. ^Homewood, Ben (6 February 2019)."'You need nerves of steel': How AJ Tracey became the fresh face of independent music | Talent ".Music Week.Archivedfrom the original on 26 January 2020.Retrieved21 May2020.
  5. ^Savage, Mark (12 July 2019)."AJ Tracey puts independence before profits".BBC.Archivedfrom the original on 12 July 2019.Retrieved12 July2019.
  6. ^"Rising Grime MC AJ Tracey Ascends To New Heights On This Silk Road Assassins Remix | The FADER".thefader.com.Archivedfrom the original on 27 May 2016.Retrieved4 June2016.
  7. ^ab"The best new acts to catch at festivals in 2016 | Music | The Guardian".The Guardian.Archivedfrom the original on 6 June 2016.Retrieved4 June2016.
  8. ^abc"AJ Tracey Interview: the lad from Ladbroke Grove takes on the world".NME Music News, Reviews, Videos, Galleries, Tickets and Blogs | NME.COM.1 February 2019.Retrieved14 November2020.
  9. ^BBC Radio 1Xtra (24 March 2016)."AJ Tracey drops a freestyle for Toddla T".Archivedfrom the original on 14 June 2018.Retrieved8 November2017– via YouTube.{{cite web}}:CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  10. ^GRM Daily (13 August 2015).AJ Tracey - Spirit Bomb [Music Video] | GRM Daily.Retrieved25 October2024– via YouTube.
  11. ^AJ Tracey – Perfect Storm,retrieved25 October2024
  12. ^"30 Under 30 Europe 2018: Youngest".Forbes.Retrieved25 October2024.
  13. ^"AJ Tracey: 'I had to do everything on my own'".The Guardian.27 October 2019.Retrieved29 May2022.
  14. ^"My team forever – AJ Tracey on Spurs".Tottenham Hotspur F.C. 23 November 2017.Retrieved5 April2021.
  15. ^Huskisson, Sophie (23 December 2020)."Bugzy Malone and AJ Tracey gift deserving children this Christmas".Voice Online.Retrieved25 October2024.
  16. ^"UK rapper launches a fund to help Black students studying at Oxford University".www.thecompleteuniversityguide.co.uk.Retrieved25 October2024.
  17. ^"Looney Tell 'Em".SoundCloud.Archivedfrom the original on 16 January 2012.Retrieved14 July2018.
  18. ^"Toonz MTP on Twitter".Archivedfrom the original on 26 September 2020.Retrieved14 January2017.
  19. ^My Team Paid (11 August 2013)."MTP – Clouded Skies".Archivedfrom the original on 8 April 2020.Retrieved14 January2017– via YouTube.
  20. ^"AJ Tracey – No More Looney".DatPiff.com.Archivedfrom the original on 18 January 2017.Retrieved14 January2017.
  21. ^"Interview: AJ Tracey | Dummy Mag".dummymag.com.Archivedfrom the original on 23 May 2016.Retrieved4 June2016.
  22. ^"Hear 'Champions League' from AJ Tracey's new EP | RWD".Rwdmag.com.Archivedfrom the original on 25 June 2016.Retrieved4 June2016.
  23. ^"AJ Tracey's" Naila ", Produced By Zeph Ellis, Is A Classic-In-Waiting | Complex UK".uk.complex.com.Archivedfrom the original on 21 August 2016.Retrieved4 June2016.
  24. ^"AJ Tracey announces second EP Alex Moran".Archived fromthe originalon 4 December 2015.Retrieved4 June2016.
  25. ^"One of the Most Killer Grime Tracks of 2015 Now Has a Video, Here's AJ Tracey's" Naila "| NOISEY".Vice (magazine).8 January 2016.Archivedfrom the original on 3 March 2016.Retrieved4 June2016.
  26. ^"AJ Tracey dons his 'Trapsuit' for new track | RWD".rwdmag.com.Archivedfrom the original on 25 June 2016.Retrieved4 June2016.
  27. ^"Daily Discovery: AJ Tracey | Pigeons & Planes".pigeonsandplanes.com.Archivedfrom the original on 2 August 2016.Retrieved4 June2016.
  28. ^"AJ Tracey vs P Money: The Spurs v Arsenal grime battle | BT Sport".sport.bt.com.Archivedfrom the original on 29 June 2016.Retrieved4 June2016.
  29. ^""Thiago Silva" by Dave / AJ Tracey Review | Pitchfork ".Pitchfork.Archivedfrom the original on 7 June 2016.Retrieved4 June2016.
  30. ^"Dave & AJ Tracey go international with 'Thiago Silva'".thefourohfive.com.Archivedfrom the original on 14 May 2016.Retrieved4 June2016.
  31. ^Armstrong, Megan (6 October 2017)."AJ Tracey Drops 'Secure The Bag!' Grime EP: Interview".Billboard.Archivedfrom the original on 10 October 2017.Retrieved19 October2017.
  32. ^"Meet AJ Tracey, The College Dropout Keeping Grime Fresh".The FADER.Archivedfrom the original on 1 October 2018.Retrieved1 October2018.
  33. ^"AJ Tracey unleashes new single" Doing It "& announces debut album".GRM Daily. 21 November 2018.Archivedfrom the original on 21 November 2018.Retrieved21 November2018.
  34. ^"AJ Tracey to release self-titled debut album early next year".Fact Mag.21 November 2018.Archivedfrom the original on 21 November 2018.Retrieved21 November2018.
  35. ^"AJ Tracey announces debut album details".The Fader.21 November 2018.Archivedfrom the original on 21 November 2018.Retrieved21 November2018.
  36. ^"AJ Tracey's Gone Back to His Grime Roots With" Doing It "".Noisey.21 November 2018.Archivedfrom the original on 21 November 2018.Retrieved21 November2018.
  37. ^Jackson Langford (13 February 2020)."AJ Tracey Announces 2020 Australian Tour".Musicfeeds.com.au.Archivedfrom the original on 26 September 2020.Retrieved21 May2020.
  38. ^"aj on Twitter:" STB!2 on the way "".6 October 2020.Retrieved14 November2020– via Twitter.
  39. ^Balram, Dhruva (27 November 2020)."AJ Tracey –Secure The Bag! 2EP review: UK rap don goes back to his roots with surprise release ".NME.Retrieved14 February2021.
  40. ^"Official Charts".Official Charts.Retrieved23 March2021.
  41. ^Winter, Courtney (4 February 2021)."Digga D & AJ Tracey Go Back to Back on Huge Collaboration" Bringing It Back "".GRM Daily.
  42. ^"Digga D and AJ Tracey score top trending song in the UK".Official Charts.
  43. ^"AJ Tracey announces new album 'Flu Game' with fake press conference".Retrieved23 March2021.
  44. ^Balram, Dhruva (15 April 2021)."AJ Tracey – 'Flu Game' review: UK rapper remains in a league of his own".NME.Retrieved26 December2023.
  45. ^"Gorillaz release surprise new EP 'Meanwhile', celebrating Notting Hill Carnival".NME.26 August 2021.Retrieved27 August2021.
  46. ^Smith, Carl (4 May 2023)."Lewis Capaldi, Mariah Carey and more honoured with new BRIT Billion award".Official Charts Company.Retrieved10 June2023.
  47. ^Pilley, Max (22 December 2023)."Listen to AJ Tracey's return with new track 'Wifey Riddim 4'".NME.Retrieved26 December2023.
  48. ^Britton, Luke Morgan (29 May 2017)."Watch AJ Tracey explain why he's backing Jeremy Corbyn and Labour in UK election".NME.Archivedfrom the original on 7 June 2017.Retrieved11 June2017.
  49. ^Hutchinson, Kate (27 October 2019)."AJ Tracey: 'I had to do everything on my own'".The Observer.
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